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Overview

Site of John Brown’s 1859 raid and close to the Antietam Battlefield where the bloodiest day of the Civil War occurred, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, retains its 19th century appearance. The area has abundant recreational opportunities including hiking, biking and whitewater rafting.

Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA

The Harpers Ferry KOA (harpersferrykoa.com) stresses its location near several Civil War battlefields with a re-enactor’s museum and cannon-fire demonstrations. Tent sites are next to a trench dug during the war. RV sites have full hookups and the campground has Kamping Kabins, Kamping Lodges and a bunkhouse that sleeps 20. Wireless Internet access is available. Activities for kids include a playground, jumping pillow and miniature golf. Recreational opportunities include a heated pool, basketball courts and a horseshoe pit. On weekends the campground hosts pancake breakfasts. A shuttle runs to nearby Charles Town Raceway.

The Treehouse Camp - Maple Tree Campground

Maple Tree Campground (thetreehousecamp.com) in Rohersville, Maryland, adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, is about 12 miles north of Harpers Ferry. Guests can stay in tree cottages and tree houses, or at tent sites. The cottages and tree houses are on stilts and have beds, tables and chairs, and a wood stove. Outside, sites have fire rings, grills and picnic tables. There are two tenting choices. Twelve wooded sites have fire circles, grills and picnic tables, and can accommodate one to four tents. There are also more isolated field tent sites that accommodate up to 60 people. There are no RV sites.

Brunswick Family Campground

About eight miles east of Harpers Ferry, the Brunswick Family Campground (brunswickmd.gov) is operated by the town of Brunswick and offers 48 RV sites and 300 tent sites on an old airfield. Situated between the Potomac River and the C&O Canal, the campground has a picnic pavilion, boat ramp and bathhouse with hot showers. RV sites have electric and water hookups, and there is a dump station on site. The nearby canal towpath offers opportunities for hiking and biking. The campground has a playground, horseshoe pits and a volleyball court. Free Wi-Fi service is provided by the town. The campground is accessed from the end of South Maple Avenue, and is closed from December through March.

River Riders Harpers Ferry Campground

People who arrange a trip with River Riders (riverriders.com) in Harpers Ferry are welcome to use its primitive campground. Sites are available for both tents and RVs, but there are no hookups. The campground is on the Potomac in a deep-water area and can be accessed from the river. Campsites accommodate four people. River Riders guides lead rafting and tubing trips, canoeing, fishing and biking expeditions and conduct team building exercises. In 2012, River Riders began offering a 60-element challenge course.

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About the Author

Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama.

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